Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand)
Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four
main shrines of Uttarakhand.
The town, situated
on the left bank of the Alaknanda, is equidistant
from the twin mountains of Nara and Narayan.
Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand) Hindu Temples
Situated in the lofty Himalayan
heights in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height
of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of
the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and
cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.
Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centres
of pilgrimage.
The temple's present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal
about two centuries ago. The temple has three sections - Garbhagriha
(Sanctum), The Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha
(Sanctum) houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad
Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan.
Lord Badri Narayan (also called as Badri Vishal) is armed with Shankh
(Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms
rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal image is of black stone
and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also
houses Garuda (Vahana - vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Also here are the idols of Adi Shankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujan
Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here.The principal
image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative
pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana - vehicle of Lord Narayan)
and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
As per the tradition decided by Lord Brahma the temple would be
open for six months i.e from Hindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik
for darshan to common people. For the remaining six months i.e from
Margashsish to Chaitra the temple would be closed for darshan by
common people as it is Devas turn for Lord's darshan.
The Legend
When River Ganges was requested to descend to earth to help the
suffering humanity, the earth was too feeblw to bear the force of
tis descent. Hence the mighty river was split into twelve channels,
one of them being Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord
Vishnu or Badrinath.
The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings
of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and
represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan.
Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch
Badris.
How to reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, 317 km from Badrinath is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station at 300 km away from Badrinath is nearest railhead. Haridwar and Kotdwar are other near by railway stations.
By Road: Badrinath is approximately 300 km from Rishikesh, the nearest railhead.
Best Time to Visit
Though the temple remains open from May to November (depending on weather), the best time to visit is May-June and September-November.
Other links
Hindu Temples in India
temples
Uttarakhand